Detailed syllabus · Main examination · Paper V
UPSC GS Paper IV Syllabus 2026 (Mains): Topic by Topic
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude. 8 lines in UPSC's words, opened into sub-topics with the 136 questions UPSC set from 2016 to 2026.
हिन्दी में पढ़ेंGS Paper IV in short
250 marks, three hours, essay-type. UPSC's 8 lines below drew 136 questions from 2016 to 2026; the busiest were Case Studies on above issues (65), Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public… (21) and Probity in Governance (14).
Tick the circle beside a sub-topic once you've covered it. Your ticks are saved in this browser on this device — nothing to sign up for.
Line 1 of 8 · Ethics & human interface · UPSC's words
“Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics - in private and public relationships. Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.”
11 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation
Essence, determinants & consequences of ethics
16 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 3 more
“Dr. B. R. Ambedkar had cautioned that employing civil disobedience within a constitutional democracy equates to endorsing ‘anarchy’. How should modern democracies navigate the ethical dilemmas posed by civil disobedience…” 2026 · GS IV Q3 →
See all 16 questions Hide questions
Ethics in private & public relationships
1 PYQAsked in 2026
“Citing the serious adverse effects of long-term medication, a doctor convinces the family of a female patient for surgery. This led the patient to reluctantly consent for the surgery, though her original choice was to opt for…” 2026 · GS IV Q4 →
See all 1 question Hide questions
Human values: lessons from leaders & reformers
7 PYQsAsked in 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2 more
“Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?” 2024 · GS IV Q3 →
See all 7 questions Hide questions
Role of family, society & education in values
6 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2020, 2017, 2016
“Citing the serious adverse effects of long-term medication, a doctor convinces the family of a female patient for surgery. This led the patient to reluctantly consent for the surgery, though her original choice was to opt for…” 2026 · GS IV Q4 →
See all 6 questions Hide questions
Line 2 of 8 · Attitude · UPSC's words
“Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.”
4 questions & model answers Write the 2025 question — free evaluation
Attitude: content, structure & function
8 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 and 1 more
“Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?” 2025 · GS IV Q3 →
See all 8 questions Hide questions
Moral & political attitudes
1 PYQAsked in 2017
“Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward.” 2017 · GS IV Q3 →
See all 1 question Hide questions
Social influence & persuasion
1 PYQAsked in 2020
“What are the main factors responsible for gender inequality in India? Discuss the contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard.” 2020 · GS IV Q5 →
See all 1 question Hide questions
Line 3 of 8 · Foundational values for civil service · UPSC's words
“Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.”
8 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation
Integrity, impartiality & non-partisanship
14 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019 and 3 more
“Owing to paucity of time, a university professor generates a Ph.D. evaluation report using Artificial Intelligence and submits it with some modifications. Discuss this from the perspective of accountability and integrity.” 2026 · GS IV Q1 →
See all 14 questions Hide questions
Empathy, compassion & tolerance
6 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2022, 2018, 2017
“On the request of his Personal Assistant (PA), the District Magistrate (DM) stops the transfer of a schoolteacher who takes private tuition for his daughter diagnosed with learning disability. In this context, discuss the aspects…” 2026 · GS IV Q6 →
See all 6 questions Hide questions
Dedication to public service
5 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2024, 2021, 2017
“One who is devoted to one’s duty attains highest perfection in life.” Analyse this statement with reference to sense of responsibility and personal fulfilment as a civil servant.” 2025 · GS IV Q5 →
See all 5 questions Hide questions
Moral courage & whistle-blowing
2 PYQsAsked in 2019, 2017
“What is meant by the term ‘constitutional morality’ ? How does one uphold constitutional morality ?” 2019 · GS IV Q3 →
See all 2 questions Hide questions
Applying values: justice, care & critical thinking
8 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2021 and 2 more
“An endangered tribe has developed a severe skeletal deformity. A university research has identified a mineral supplement as a possible remedy, though clinical trials are yet to be conducted. Should the District Magistrate (DM)…” 2026 · GS IV Q2 →
See all 8 questions Hide questions
Other questions on this line (1)
Line 4 of 8 · Emotional intelligence · UPSC's words
“Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.”
3 questions & model answers Write the 2023 question — free evaluation
Concepts of emotional intelligence
6 PYQsAsked in 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017 and 1 more
“What really matters for success, character, happiness and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills — your EQ — not just purely cognitive abilities that are measured by conventional IQ tests.” Do you agree with…” 2023 · GS IV Q4 →
See all 6 questions Hide questions
EI in administration & governance
1 PYQAsked in 2021
“Pawan is working as an officer in the State Government for the last ten years. As a part of routine transfer, he was posted to another department. He joined in a new office along with five other colleagues. The head of the office…” 2021 · GS IV Q12 →
See all 1 question Hide questions
Line 5 of 8 · Moral thinkers & philosophers · UPSC's words
“Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.”
10 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation
Indian thinkers: Gandhi, Vivekananda, Kautilya, Buddha
12 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2021 and 3 more
“Dr. B. R. Ambedkar had cautioned that employing civil disobedience within a constitutional democracy equates to endorsing ‘anarchy’. How should modern democracies navigate the ethical dilemmas posed by civil disobedience…” 2026 · GS IV Q3 →
See all 12 questions Hide questions
Western thinkers: Kant, Rawls, Socrates & others
4 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2025, 2016
“On the request of his Personal Assistant (PA), the District Magistrate (DM) stops the transfer of a schoolteacher who takes private tuition for his daughter diagnosed with learning disability. In this context, discuss the aspects…” 2026 · GS IV Q6 →
See all 4 questions Hide questions
Line 6 of 8 · Ethics in public administration · UPSC's words
“Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.”
21 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation
Ethical concerns & dilemmas in government
30 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 4 more
“One who is devoted to one’s duty attains highest perfection in life.” Analyse this statement with reference to sense of responsibility and personal fulfilment as a civil servant.” 2025 · GS IV Q5 →
See all 30 questions Hide questions
Laws, rules, regulations & conscience
8 PYQsAsked in 2023, 2022, 2020, 2017, 2016
“Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making? Discuss.” 2023 · GS IV Q5 →
See all 8 questions Hide questions
Accountability & ethical governance
6 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2016
“In the present digital age, social media has revolutionised our way of communication and interaction. However, it has raised several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the key ethical dilemmas in this regard.” 2025 · GS IV Q1 →
See all 6 questions Hide questions
Ethics in international relations & funding
9 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2021, 2020 and 1 more
“Usually schools, working in remote areas, do not fully comply with government regulations. However, if the rules are enforced strictly, it would lead to most schools closing down. How should an administrator strike a balance…” 2026 · GS IV Q5 →
See all 9 questions Hide questions
Corporate governance & business ethics
9 PYQsAsked in 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019 and 2 more
“There is a technological company named ABC Incorporated which is the second largest worldwide, situated in the Third World. You are the Chief Executive Officer and the majority shareholder of this company. The fast technological…” 2024 · GS IV Q7 →
See all 9 questions Hide questions
Ethics of technology & medicine
7 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2024, 2023, 2021
“Owing to paucity of time, a university professor generates a Ph.D. evaluation report using Artificial Intelligence and submits it with some modifications. Discuss this from the perspective of accountability and integrity.” 2026 · GS IV Q1 →
See all 7 questions Hide questions
Other questions on this line (2)
Line 7 of 8 · Probity in governance · UPSC's words
“Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.”
14 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation
Corruption & its challenges
11 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2025, 2023, 2022, 2020 and 4 more
“Seema is a senior bureaucrat with a reputation of honesty and professional efficiency. She has recently been posted as the District Collector (DC) to Surinder Nagar, where a large industrial area is being established. The new…” 2026 · GS IV Q9 →
See all 11 questions Hide questions
Transparency, RTI & information sharing
6 PYQsAsked in 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016
“Explain the basic principles of citizens charter movement and bring out its importance.” 2019 · GS IV Q4 →
See all 6 questions Hide questions
Codes of ethics & conduct; citizen's charters
5 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2024, 2019, 2018, 2017
“It is said that for an ethical work culture, there must be code of ethics in place in every organisation. To ensure value-based and compliance-based work culture, what suitable measures would you adopt in your work place?” 2025 · GS IV Q6 →
See all 5 questions Hide questions
Use of public funds & service delivery
3 PYQsAsked in 2022, 2020, 2019
“Wisdom lies in knowing what to reckon with and what to overlook. An officer being engrossed with the periphery, ignoring the core issues before him, is not rare in the bureaucracy. Do you agree that such preoccupation of an…” 2022 · GS IV Q1 →
See all 3 questions Hide questions
Philosophical basis of governance & probity
3 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2023, 2022
“Citing the serious adverse effects of long-term medication, a doctor convinces the family of a female patient for surgery. This led the patient to reluctantly consent for the surgery, though her original choice was to opt for…” 2026 · GS IV Q4 →
See all 3 questions Hide questions
Probity in practice: funds, media & audit
6 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2024, 2022, 2021
“Rajesh is a Group A officer with nine years of service. He is posted as Administrative Officer in an Oil Public Sector undertaking. As an Administrative Officer he is responsible for managing and coordinating various…” 2025 · GS IV Q10 →
See all 6 questions Hide questions
Other questions on this line (3)
Line 8 of 8 · Case studies · UPSC's words
“Case Studies on above issues.”
65 questions & model answers Write the 2026 question — free evaluation
Administrative dilemmas: rules vs compassion
13 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 3 more
“Ashok is Divisional Commissioner of one of the border districts of the North East State. A few years back, Military has taken over the neighbouring country after overthrowing the elected civil government. Civil war situation is…” 2025 · GS IV Q12 →
See all 13 questions Hide questions
Corruption, pressure & conflict of interest
12 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 6 more
“Seema is a senior bureaucrat with a reputation of honesty and professional efficiency. She has recently been posted as the District Collector (DC) to Surinder Nagar, where a large industrial area is being established. The new…” 2026 · GS IV Q9 →
See all 12 questions Hide questions
Disasters, displacement & public safety
6 PYQsAsked in 2025, 2023, 2020, 2019, 2017 and 1 more
“Vijay was Deputy Commissioner of remote district of Hilly Northern State of the country for the last two years. In the month of August heavy rains lashed the complete state followed by cloud burst in the upper reaches of the said…” 2025 · GS IV Q7 →
See all 6 questions Hide questions
Workplace ethics: harassment, strikes & whistle-blowing
8 PYQsAsked in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018 and 2 more
“At 9 pm on Saturday evening, Rashika, a Joint Secretary, was still engrossed in her work in her office. Her husband, Vikram, is an executive in an MNC and frequently out of town in connection with his work. Their two children…” 2023 · GS IV Q9 →
See all 8 questions Hide questions
Corporate, medical & technology ethics
12 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 4 more
“Lata, a mother of two children, was admitted to a hospital for acute abdominal pain. Her sister-in-law, Sujatha, accompanied her. Dr. Mansi examined Lata and recommended a diagnostic laparoscopy. Lata’s consent was taken to…” 2026 · GS IV Q7 →
See all 12 questions Hide questions
Welfare delivery, environment & security cases
9 PYQsAsked in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2021, 2020
“Vikas is a government officer with over a decade of service in public administration. He has recently moved as the District Collector (DC) of Nainipura, a remote hilly district bordering a forest. Due to Nainipura’s low levels of…” 2026 · GS IV Q10 →
See all 9 questions Hide questions
Other questions on this line (8)
FAQ
GS Paper IV: questions, answered
What is the syllabus of UPSC GS Paper IV?
GS Paper IV (Mains Paper V, 250 marks) covers Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude. UPSC lists 8 lines for it; this page sets each out in UPSC's words and breaks it into the sub-topics UPSC has actually asked.
Which topics are asked most in GS Paper IV?
From 2016 to 2026, the lines with the most questions were: "Case Studies on above issues." (65); "Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration:…" (21); "Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis…" (14).
How many questions are there in GS Paper IV?
GS Paper IV is three hours and 250 marks, in two sections: Section A on ethics, attitude, aptitude, emotional intelligence and thinkers, and Section B of case studies — six case studies of 20 marks each in recent papers.